Ogden 26.2
What a great day for the Marathon! About perfect weather. A little sketchy at trying to get up to the start though. As valley residents, doesn't make a lot of sense that we would drive down to Ogden to catch the 5:00 AM buses to drive back up to the start. So, we usually talk someone into driving us up to the start... When we approached the road to turn up South Fork - the Police had it all Blocked off.. we had to drive down and to another side enterance and take some back roads, move some barricades to finally get back on the Highway!! Made it up to the start about 15-20 minutes before start time - sweet!!
Had a few goals going into the race - first DO NOT BLOW UP! which meant stay in the 8:30 - 9:00 minute pace for me, since my lack of speed work and road work could prove costly at a more intense pace. Two: Try and beat as many of my bro's as possible (3 were running) and also beat a guy from work who has been doing great preping for his first 26.2. Third redeem my run from last year - major melt down. Fourth NO walking bewtween aid stations. Fifth Just have a great time.
Race Breakdown: Held myself in check as the splits below will show - felt great for the entire run except for some quad pounding numbness that started setting in around mile 21-22. Ended up taking 2 gu's and a bite or two of the cliff bars they had out at the aid stations. Never ended up taking any power aid - stayed with water and that seemed to be a good choice - never had any stomach issues. Gdoc and I ran together for about the first half then I started pulling away from him trying to catch Brother Joshy. I never did catch him or see him. He ended up coming in 3:47:55 so just a minute+ in front of me - dang! Hair Dog finished a few after Gdoc. Good showing for a bunch of rookies.
I was able to accomplish all my other goals - so, I'm counting this as a great race. Shout out to all those who ran out there today - Great job!!
Splits: 8:44 8:44 8:35 8:35 8:25 8:38 8:37 8:33 8:58 8:36 8:58 8:40 8:48
8:56 9:07 8:41 8:30 8:31 8:37 8:39 8:19 8:34 8:20 9:03 9:18 9:03 2.38 (.30 mile)
First 13: 1:52:51
Second 13: 1:53:23
Only 32 seconds diff. Avg pace 8:43 |